'It's a challenge that we're really looking forward to'- Laois senior hurling captain David Dooley

Captaining your county is a role most hurlers dream about. For David Dooley, it came earlier than expected in just his second season with the Laois senior hurlers, and the Rosenallis man admits he’s still getting used to the responsibility.

Dooley spoke to the local media on Monday evening, April 14, at a press evening organised by Laois GAA.

"It's a different role, alright, this year than I had last year, but it's something I'm probably getting more comfortable doing. It was something a bit alien, maybe at the start, but I'm gradually finding my feet. I'm just doing my best in any way I can to support the lads," he said.

Dooley is quick to point out that he focuses on getting his own performance right first, but does whatever he can to help those around him.

"You have to support yourself and get yourself right first and foremost, but anyway I can, I try and help the lads out," he added.

Being a younger voice in the dressing room hasn't been an issue, thanks to the support of more experienced teammates who share the leadership burden. Having vice-captains Cha Dwyer and Aidan Corby beside him has made the transition smoother.

"Hugely experienced lads here. The likes of Cha and Aidan as vice-captains there. To be honest, I let a lot of the other lads do a lot of the talking. I probably wouldn't be the biggest talker in the team, but I try to add value where I can. If I feel there's something to be said, I try to say it anyway. The lads have great experience in their role, and I'm lucky to have them by my side," he said.

On the pitch, his work rate stands out. Whether he’s dominating possession or not seeing much of the ball, his focus stays on the effort areas.

"I think that's one thing you can always control is your work and your work rate. Going out, if you're not getting on the ball, if you're not involved in the game, you can always up your work rate, and you can up your tackle rate. It's something you can control," he added.

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It's not just something he tries to do, it’s a part of his game that brings real satisfaction.

"It's something I probably make a conscious effort of doing. It's something I enjoy too. It's not the easiest thing at times, but no, I enjoy it, and I do my best in any way I can to help the team," he said. "I feel that's a role that I'm quite good at. It's something I probably target going into games."

Dooley has also taken up a new position this year, swapping wing-forward for midfield. The roles, he believes, share plenty of traits.

"There are similarities there. Wing-forward, it's nearly a tankless job at times. It's up and down the line, and it’s tough going," he said. "As a midfielder, you link the play a bit more, maybe. There are definitely similarities to it, but I'm enjoying it there. I think it's suited me well enough so far this year."

This weekend, he’ll walk out in Portlaoise as Laois captain for a championship game for the first time. It’s a huge moment, but one he hasn’t overthought.

"Absolutely massive, yeah. I haven't really thought about it too much yet. I'm sure it'll probably only hit when it's actually happening or probably afterwards, to be honest," he said.

Even when offered the role at the start of the season, he didn’t see himself as the captain type, but he’s proud to take it on.

"I said at the start of the year to the lads when I was captain that it's not something I really envision myself as a captain. I probably didn't see myself as that sort of a leader at times, but I'm hugely honoured and grateful to the lads for putting the trust in me," he said. "Hopefully we can get a result at the weekend. That's the main thing."

Westmeath stand in Laois’s way in their Joe McDonagh Cup opener, and Dooley knows just how motivated the opposition will be.

"A huge amount of work. We know Westmeath are going to be gunning for us now, like we are them," he said. "It's obviously disappointing the way the league finished up, but it's a clean slate now."

For Dooley and Laois, the focus is on a fresh start, and making it count.

"We just have to regroup and go again. It's a challenge that we're really looking forward to," he said. "The lads all seem very up for it anyway this week, so we’ll just keep building throughout the week and do everything you can to prepare in the right way and put our best foot forward for Saturday."

Laois will take on Westmeath on Saturday, April 19 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park from 3pm. The Leinster Express/ Laois Live will be providing a live blog from the game. Tickets for the game can be purchased in the following stores; SuperValu Stradbally, Breslin’s SuperValu Rathdowney, McConville’s SuperValu Mountmellick, McLoughlin’s SuperValu Portarlington, Mulhall’s SuperValu Portlaoise, SuperValu Abbeyleix and SuperValu Parkside Portlaoise, as well as online here.